Tanev, 24, is coming off a career-best season in 2013-14 in which he had six goals and 17 points in 64 games. He played big minutes for Vancouver as he averaged nearly 21 minutes of ice time per game and became one of their most dependable blue liners.

Hmm … one year only. Guess parties decided to go the route of a short term deal with the idea being that if he performs well in the coming year, then next season they can ink an extension with an increased cap so more dollars available?

Would have been getting tight up against the cap for the Canucks to sign him to a multi-year deal for larger salary with a larger cap hit given the diminishing room they have under the cap right now after signing Vrbata and Miller to larger cap hits.

leepetertk - Jul 5, 2014 at 3:20 PM

There is still a bit of wiggle room if Tanev was extended for a longer term. Expect Markstrom to be waived and start in the minors (if he clears). Corrado could start in the AHL with already 3 right-shooting D (Bieksa, Tanev, Weber). Dorsett may well supplant Sestito as the enforcer, facilitating Sestito being waived/sent to minors.

Tanev will probably get Bieksa/Hamhuis money with some term if he shows the same consistency and level of play he has for the last two years.

leepetertk - Jul 5, 2014 at 3:08 PM

Benning has completed his roster well ahead of the start of next season, compared to Gillis who took 2 years to complete the Luongo trade. I wonder if July 11 is their internal deadline (season ticket renewal deadline is July 11) to complete their roster and showcase the new team to season ticket holders. The only remaining Canuck-RFA of significance is Linden Vey.

Nothing wrong with a bridge contract – here’s to hoping he uses it to prove he deserves a raise (and stays on the ‘Nucks).

He’s already a fan favourite but if he can maintain his current play and steady improvement then in 3-5 years he will be among the first examples you give for a reliable defensive Dman. The fact that he’s listened to coaching and starting potting in some offense too is just a ribbon on top.

It’s also exciting to (likely) have Tanev and Edler back together. Having Tanev as an anchor showed us some of Edler’s best hockey. It also frees up Hamhuis to again anchor the more offensive Bieksa. Considering how impressive the rookie Stanton looked last year (amazing waiver pick-up) I can see management wanting Corrado to spend another year in the AHL working with the rest of the prospects.